EYC-chairperson-Daniel-Wesonga-left-with-national-coordinator-Janet-Muthoni-Ouko
Wanjala Danson
More than hundred (100) civil society organisations (CSOs) join the ministry of Education in condemning the rising arson cases in school adding that early closing of schools is not a solution.
In a join press statement, CSOs stated that school should not close early as this will disorganize the school calendar and collapse of the school program.
Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’I has met members of the civil society to get their views on what should be done to end the school fires.
This is the latest in a series of others with stakeholders held since early to try and get a long lasting solution.
“It is very shameful for students to see that the best way to release their frustrations is by burning structures in their schools. They torch the buildings not knowing that it is their parents who will pay for the damages they cause,” Matiang’i in a previous press conference.
CSOs stated that they will be holding a consultative meeting with the ministry after every two months to evaluate and discuss challenged the progress made in the education sector.
“The schools that have experiences cases of arson are slightly over 100-roughly 120 and closing schools on Arson ground may lead to the full collapse of the sector,” stated Daniel Wesonga the Chairman Elimu yetu coalition.
The CSOs want the actualization of National association of parents that is structured from school level, county level and national levels.
They are also recommending for a comprehensive reforms in the education sector where there is a meaningful participation of students and parents in matters of school management.
“Parents have always been accountable for their children actions but parents should also hold accountable the school managements, CSO in the education sector and the ministry accountable” Ms Janet Ouko Muthoni Co-Ordinator of Elimu yetu.
She further stated that school managers, teachers and their unions should adhere to the education ministry policies since policies are based on research to better the education sector.
“Claims that burning of schools have resulted from government’s burn on mocks, exam fever is not really genuine,” stated Janet Muthoni.
The CSOs had a two hour meeting with the cabinet secretary for education Dr Fred Matiangi, Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang, and the education officials at the ministry.
Early, Janet Muthoni said the persistent strikes being witnessed in the country resulted from lack of action against perpetrators of such actions.
“We have juvenile jails in this country where students with criminal records can be kept. We do not want to see children involved in burning of schools walking freely while those involved in petty crimes are cooling their feet in prison,” said Ms Muthoni.
She said punishing of offenders will send a clear message to other students and parents who are using them to fight management of schools.
This happened even as the government and various stakeholders continued to look for a solution to the menace that has left property worth millions of shillings destroyed in schools.